Download Free Famous Ghanaian Adinkra Symbols (Brushes & Shapes) 

Adinkra Symbols Download.

African symbols known as adinkra are ubiquitous in Ghana, a beautiful West African country on the Atlantic, situated between Cote d’Ivoire and Togo. On cloth and walls, in pottery and logos, these Asante tribe symbols can be found everywhere.

. The adinkra symbols can be downloaded  for Photoshop as shapes or brushes freely.

See the meaning and usage below;
ADINKRAHENE
“Chief of the adinkra symbols”

symbol of greatness, charisma and leadership

This symbol is said to have played an inspiring role in the designing of other symbols. it signifies the importance of playing a leadership role.

GYE NYAME
“except for God”
symbol of the supremacy of God

This unique and beautiful symbol is ubiquitous in Ghana. It is by far the most popular for use in decoration, a reflection on the deeply religious character of the Ghanaian people

SANKOFA
“return and get it”
symbol of importance of learning from the past

FUNTUNFUNEFU-DENKYEMFUNEFU
“Siamese crocodiles”
symbol of democracy and unity

The Siamese crocodiles share one stomach, yet they fight over food. This popular symbol is a remind that infighting and tribalism is harmful to all who engage in it.

DENKYEM
“crocodile”
symbol of adaptability

The crocodile lives in the water, yet breathes the air, demonstrating an ability to adapt to circumstances.

DWENNIMMEN
“ram’s horns”
symbol of humility together with strength

The ram will fight fiercely against an adversary, but it also submits humbly to slaughter, emphasizing that even the strong need to be humble.

AYA
“fern”
symbol of endurance and resourcefulness

The fern is a hardy plant that can grow in difficult places. “An individual who wears this symbol suggests that he has endured many adversities and outlasted much difficulty.” (Willis, The Adinkra Dictionary).
BI NKA BI
“No one should bite the other”
symbol of peace and harmony

This symbol cautions against provocation and strife. The image is based on two fish biting each other tails.

FIHANKRA
“house/compound”
symbol of security and safety

Typical of Akan (Asante) architecture, the communal housing compound has only one entrance and exit.

AKOMA
“the heart”
symbol of patience and tolerance

According to Agbo, when a person is said to “have a heart in his stomach,” that person is very tolerant.

FAWOHODIE
“independence”

symbol of independence, freedom, emancipation

“From the expression: Fawodhodie ene obre na enam.
Literal translation: “Independence comes with its responsibilities.”

OSRAM NE NSOROMMA
“The Moon and the Star”
symbol of love, faithfulness, harmony

This symbol reflects the harmony that exists in the bonding between a man and a woman.

ASASE YE DURU
“the Earth has weight”
symbol of providence and the divinity of Mother Earth

This symbol represents the importance of the Earth in sustaining life.

MPATAPO
“knot of pacification/reconciliation”
symbol of reconciliation, peacemaking and pacification

Mpatapo represents the bond or knot that binds parties in a dispute to a peaceful, harmonious reconciliation. It is a symbol of peacemaking after strife.

SESA WO SUBAN
“Change or transform your character ”
symbol of life transformation

This symbol combines two separate adinkra symbols, the “Morning Star” which can mean a new start to the day, placed inside the wheel, representing rotation or independent movement.

DAME-DAME
name of a board game
symbol of intelligence and ingenuity

OWIA KOKROKO
“greatness of the sun”
symbol of vitality and renewal

AKOFENA
“sword of war ”

symbol of courage, valor, and heroism

The crossed swords were a popular motif in the heraldic shields of many former Akan states. In addition to recognizing courage and valor, the swords can represent legitimate state authority.

ANANSE NTONTAN
“spider’s web”

symbol of wisdom, creativity and the complexities of life

Ananse, the spider, is a well-known character in African folktales.

BOA ME NA ME MMOA WO
“Help me and let me help you”

symbol of cooperation and interdependence

Source: “Cloth As Metaphor” by G.F. Kojo Arthur

ME WARE WO
“I shall marry you ”

symbol of commitment, perseverance

From the expression “No one rushes into the job of mixing the concrete for building the house of marriage.”

DABI ME NSORO – MO BEPUE
“My star will shine one day”

symbol of hope, aspiration and confidnence

From the expression “Just as all the fruits do not ripen the same time, so all the stars do not shine at the same, mine will shine some day.”

UNIVERSE

eye sees all of existence – makes sense with its representation

Ahoden

the symbol of energy

Download the Adinkra Symbols Shapes and Brushes Below

Download Adinkra Symbols Vector Shapes (9476 downloads)   OR  Download Adinkra Symbols Photoshop Brushes (6260 downloads)